Rangers director of football Ross Wilson has told the club’s official website that Steven Gerrard has wanted new signing Calvin Bassey for months.
The Gers confirmed two signings over the weekend; first announcing the addition of Northern Irish teenager Charlie Lindsay from Glentoran.
On Saturday, Rangers then confirmed the arrival of defender Bassey. The full back turned down the offer of a new deal at Leicester City in order to join Rangers.
Bassey has been coming up through the Leicester ranks, but wasn’t given any first-team opportunities before choosing to leave.
The 20-year-old can play at left back and centre back, providing Gerrard with great depth in defence – especially as left back options Andy Halliday and Jon Flanagan are leaving.
Bassey could step up to offer cover behind Borna Barisic, and given that Rangers are paying a small compensation fee, this could be a bargain move.
Director of football Wilson has commented on the signing, claiming that Rangers spotted Bassey at the end of 2019, and both he and Gerrard have wanted him since.
Wilson added that he loves Bassey’s versatility, and believes he has the enthusiasm and positivity to have a ‘really bright future’.
“Calvin has a really bright future and we are pleased to have attracted him to Rangers,” said Wilson. “The scouting staff identified him at the end of last year and Steven and I have been tracking his situation extensively since then.”
“His ability to play as a full back and centre back will provide us with new depth defensively and doing that was one of our primary targets for this summer. He is a young man bursting with enthusiasm and positivity and I know how excited he is to be continuing his journey under the guidance of Steven and the staff,” he added.
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